Gila River Police Department officer killed in line of duty

PHOENIX – A Gila River Police Department officer was shot and killed early Saturday morning as police responded to a violent altercation in which five other people, including another officer, were also shot.

According to the GRPD, police received a 911 call around 2 a.m. about a disturbance at a home in Santan, District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community.

As officers responded to the disturbances involving a large crowd, several shots were fired.

Two officers and four other people were shot. All six victims were taken to local hospitals.

One of the officers, whom the GRPD identified as Joshua Briese, died at the hospital. Briese had been with the department for less than a year and was still completing his field training.

The second injured officer, whose identity the GRPD did not immediately determine, is in serious but stable condition.

One of the other people shot also died.

The GRPD said it is working with the FBI to conduct a joint investigation into the incident.